Traditionally, the field of medicine has often been classified under the domain of natural sciences, with a significant emphasis on natural science education in medical training. However, according to Xu Congjian, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Fudan University Affiliated Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, medicine possesses humanistic and social science attributes from both individual and collective perspectives.
During the 2024 sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Xu Congjian submitted a proposal titled "Suggestions to Further Strengthen the Cultivation of Humanistic and Social Science Qualities among Medical Students and Professionals, Enhance Social Service Awareness and Sense of Responsibility."
Xu Congjian believes that humanistic and social science qualities, including foundational professional competencies such as philosophy, sociology, ethics, law, as well as language expression abilities, significantly influence the future clinical practice of medical students in serving society and patients. Moreover, these qualities shape the interests, goals, and values of future medical professionals. Especially in today's era of highly advanced medical technology, the interests, goals, and values of medical professionals will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the future development of human society.
To address these concerns, Xu Congjian proposes the following measures:
Enhanced Curriculum: Introduce or expand courses or training sessions in social management, ethics and regulations, life planning, logical thinking, and language expression at various stages of medical education.
Professional Guidance: Implement various forms of guidance and regulation to foster social service awareness, awareness of ethical regulations, and a sense of professional responsibility among medical practitioners.
Restriction on Ineffective Research: Limit and reduce ineffective medical research activities. Apart from maintaining a certain number of research-oriented hospitals and medical research institutes to train research-oriented medical professionals, various measures should be taken to encourage medical students and healthcare workers to engage with the community, enabling most service-oriented hospitals and practitioners to be closely integrated with the community and truly serve the people.
These proposals aim to cultivate a more holistic approach to medical education and practice, ensuring that medical professionals are not only technically proficient but also socially aware and ethically responsible.
